I'm leaving this personal message because this past week was very special to me.

It started with the Beer For Breakfast show on Saturday morning (July 6^th). I got to play some songs acoustically live on-air and discuss the local music scene here in Winnipeg. Bad Broose (the host) is a great guy and he's very supportive of upcoming artists such as myself. I had a great time shootin' with him.

In search of a beer that evening, I wound up at (one of Winnipeg's newest local music hotspots) The Crowbar only to re-unite with longtime friends Pushing Daisies. You see... Roland & Bryan from the Daisies, Scott from Moses Mayes, and myself were in our first band together back when we were 16. The Daisies have been very busy touring and recording so it was my first time hanging with them in over 3 years. For old times sake, they called me up to join them in a version of The Smithereens' "Blood & Roses". It was great to see and hear that they are doing so well. Expect huge things from them in the near future.

This took us to the show this past Monday (July 9^th). It was important to me for a couple of reasons. It was the first live showcase of my original material in over two years. It was also my first time fronting an electric band in almost FIVE years!! In a stupid attempt at freak vocal gymnastics, I blew-out my voice in rehearsal the previous day and tried to spend all of Monday recovering (with not much success). Despite this minor problem, we débuted my brand new song "Something For Everyone" and advanced to the second round of the RA NRG showcase - bringing us closer to a showcase spot at CMW 2003!! I owe it all to my awesome band. Hey... I just write (and sing) the songs but Brent, Dylan & Joe give each song a unique energy that takes them over the top.

Another highlight of the evening was catching Vancouver's Retrograde. They are a great band with great energy, great songs and great musicianship. Most importantly (to me), they're great guys too!! I'll be meeting them at the Big Sugar concert this evening which will be featuring my good friends Sonic Bloom as the opening act. Retrograde will also be playing with Big Sugar out in Saskatchewan in a couple of days.

That reminds me... I should really pick up some earplugs for tonight.

I want to thank everyone who tuned into BFB radio and came down to the show on Monday.

NEAL"